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How Often Should I Service My HVAC System?

Your HVAC system plays a big role in keeping your home comfortable, especially through the long, hot months on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Regular maintenance can help keep it operating properly and may help catch problems before they turn into unexpected repairs.

How Often Does an HVAC System Need Professional Maintenance?

A good general guideline is to have your HVAC equipment professionally checked at least annually, following the recommendations for your particular system and manufacturer.

ENERGY STAR recommends annual pre-season checkups—having cooling equipment checked before the cooling season and heating equipment checked before the heating season. For homes with separate heating and cooling equipment, that can mean a spring cooling check and a fall heating check.

Here on Alabama's Gulf Coast, I particularly like the idea of getting the cooling side checked before the summer heat arrives rather than waiting until the system is working its hardest.

Why Does Regular HVAC Maintenance Matter?

HVAC systems contain a lot of components that homeowners aren't expected to evaluate themselves.

During professional maintenance, a technician may inspect things such as electrical connections, system controls, the condensate drain, coils, airflow and refrigerant levels, depending on the equipment being serviced.

Regular maintenance doesn't guarantee that your system will never need a repair, but it gives you an opportunity to identify issues and keep the equipment maintained.

Don't Forget About Your Air Filter

Your HVAC system needs attention between professional service visits, too.

Check your filter monthly, particularly during periods when your system is running heavily. Whether it actually needs replacement that often depends on the filter, your equipment, your household and the manufacturer's instructions.

ENERGY STAR recommends checking filters monthly and changing them when dirty; its general guidance says at minimum every three months.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

Take a look at the area around your outdoor HVAC unit periodically.

Leaves, grass clippings and other debris can accumulate around outdoor equipment. ENERGY STAR recommends keeping indoor and outdoor units clean and clear of debris.

You don't need to take the equipment apart or attempt technical maintenance yourself. Just keeping the surrounding area clear and noticing when something looks different is useful homeowner maintenance.

Pay Attention to the Condensate Drain

Air-conditioning systems remove moisture from indoor air, and that water has to go somewhere.

A clogged condensate drain can contribute to water damage and indoor humidity problems, which is why inspection of the drain is part of ENERGY STAR's professional HVAC maintenance checklist.

If you notice water where it shouldn't be, don't ignore it.

Signs Your HVAC System May Need Attention

You don't have to wait for your scheduled maintenance appointment if something changes.

Consider contacting an HVAC professional if you notice things such as:

• The home isn't cooling or heating normally

• Certain rooms suddenly feel much warmer or cooler than others

• Unusual noises or odors

• The system seems to run excessively

• Water appears around HVAC equipment

• Your energy usage changes unexpectedly

• The system repeatedly turns on and off

• The system isn't controlling indoor humidity as well as it normally does

Uneven temperatures and humidity problems can sometimes indicate HVAC, duct, insulation or air-sealing issues, so the equipment itself isn't always the only possible cause.

Should I Wait Until Something Breaks?

I wouldn't.

Your air conditioner deciding to quit on one of our hottest summer days is certainly not when you want to discover there was already a problem developing.

Preventive maintenance gives a professional an opportunity to look over the system before you're dealing with a no-cooling situation in the middle of summer.

HVAC Maintenance at a Glance

☐ Check your HVAC filter monthly
☐ Replace or clean the filter when needed
☐ Schedule professional pre-season maintenance
☐ Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris
☐ Watch for water around HVAC equipment
☐ Pay attention to unusual sounds or odors
☐ Notice changes in comfort or humidity
☐ Don't ignore changes in how the system operates

A Little Attention Before the Heat Arrives

On Alabama's Gulf Coast, air conditioning isn't something most of us want to be without for very long.

Regular maintenance, checking your filter, keeping an eye on your equipment, and addressing changes when you notice them can all be part of taking good care of your HVAC system.

And when professional service is needed, getting it taken care of before the hottest part of the year is much nicer than discovering a problem when it's 95 degrees outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I have my HVAC serviced once or twice a year?

At least annual professional maintenance is a good general guideline. ENERGY STAR recommends pre-season checkups for cooling and heating equipment, which may mean spring and fall visits depending on the type of system you have. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular equipment.

Do I need to change my air filter every month?

Not necessarily. Check it monthly. How often it needs to be changed depends on the filter, your system and conditions in your home. ENERGY STAR recommends changing it when dirty and at least every three months as a general guideline.

When is the best time to schedule AC maintenance?

Before cooling season is ideal. ENERGY STAR recommends a spring checkup for cooling equipment, before HVAC contractors become especially busy during summer.

Does regular maintenance mean my HVAC won't break down?

No. Maintenance can't prevent every mechanical failure. It can, however, help keep equipment operating properly and give a technician an opportunity to identify problems during routine service.

Related Homeowner Guides

What Home Maintenance Should I Do Each Month? 

What Home Maintenance Should I Do Each Season? 

How Can I Prevent Plumbing Problems in My Home? 

Have Questions?

Homeownership comes with questions long after closing day, and you don't have to figure everything out on your own.

Whether you have a question about maintaining your home, planning an improvement, or protecting your investment, we're always happy to be a resource.

Dana & John Martin – Team Martin
Waters Edge Realty
318-504-9925 | 504-450-2714
ALGulfCoastAgents@gmail.com